Sacred Inspiration

Soundbites
“And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” – Matthew 28:20
Words inspire people to take action.
Tensions were high. After the colonists’ rebellious and law-breaking behavior at the Boston Tea Party and England’s punitive response with the Coercive Acts, megastar Patrick Henry rose to speak on March 23, 1775, at St. John’s Church in Richmond. The delegates at the Second Virginia Convention leaned in to Henry’s words with their highest attention. “Gentlemen may cry, ‘Peace, Peace,’ but there is no peace!” the Virginian asserted. “The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle?” After appealing to help their colonial brethren to the north, Henry brought his most famous speech to a close with these personal and powerful lines: “Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death!" Mic-drop. Then bedlam.
George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, as well as several other Founding Fathers from Virginia who would later sign the Declaration of Independence, were in attendance that day. Jefferson would later say that Henry was the greatest orator he had ever heard. Historians say that Henry’s “Liberty or Death” speech truly helped convince and inspire those in attendance to begin preparing Virginia troops for war against England.
England also reacted to Henry’s soundbite. Immediately after his speech, Virginia’s Royal Governor, Lord Dunmore, declared martial law in Virginia, ordered the seizure of gunpowder stores, and promised emancipation to slaves who signed up to serve in the British army. The simmer had now become a boil as the two sides moved closer to war.
Known as the “Voice of the American Revolution,” Patrick Henry's gifted oratorical skills and sticky soundbites had always made a profound impact on his fellow colonists. After Parliament passed the Stamp Act (1765), Henry gave a protest speech which ended with, perhaps, his second most remembered quotation: “Caesar had his Brutus, Charles the First his Cromwell; and George the Third may profit by their example.” As shouts of “treason!” erupted as he spoke, Henry added: “If this be treason, make the most of it.” His life hanging in the balance (literally), Henry’s courageous words stirred and motivated many colonists to resist British overreach and intrusion into their daily lives (and pocketbooks). After only a few months of widespread protests, boycotts, colonial collaboration, and the soundbite “no taxation without representation,” Parliament eventually terminated the Stamp Act.
What phrases, quotes, or soundbites have inspired you over the course of your life?
One of the many blessings God gives to you is so many wonderful, sticky, and powerful Bible passages—words that are inspirational, life-changing, and life-saving. Here are a few of the most searched Bible passages throughout the world:
 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”
 “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
 “ I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”
 “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
 “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”
 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”
Renowned for his oratorical skills and words during the Revolution, Patrick Henry penned these lesser-known words in his will: “This is all the inheritance I can give to my dear family. The religion of Christ can give them one which will make them rich indeed.” Mic-drop.
“Give me liberty or give me death!” are famous words that helped kickstart the American Revolution, but pale in comparison to the “Word that became flesh.” For Jesus took on death for your eternal liberty from sin, death, and the power of the devil. Long live the King of Kings.
Reflection Questions
1) What words have inspired you during your life? Why?
2) What particular Bible passages are most meaningful to you? Why?